Episode 001 - Derek Brown; Billboard-charting saxophonist/innovator

Welcome to our first episode! We are very excited to bring you this fantastic interview with Derek Brown. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the episode!

From his 7 million views on Youtube to his interviews on international television and NPR’s Weekend Edition, Billboard-charting saxophonist/innovator Derek Brown and his solo “BEATBoX SAX” project has been exploding across the world music scene.

As described by jazz journalist/historian Scott Yanow, “Brown performs unaccompanied solos that occasionally make one recall Bobby McFerrin in his early prime and the great saxophonist Eddie Harris . . . utilizing slap-tonguing, circular breathing, a wide interest in musical styles and dazzling coordination to create rather unique music.”

Previously the director of jazz studies at Abilene Christian University for six years, Derek now lives and performs in Chicago, playing in various bands and projects around the area and throughout the world. His recent “BEATBoX SAX” music videos and tutorials on YouTube have been very popular among saxophonists and music lovers alike, leading to endorsements with Legere, JodyJazz, P.Mauriat, BG, and AKG. Derek has performed solo concerts throughout China, Russia, Japan, Germany, France, Poland, UK, Norway, Finland, Malaysia, Latvia, Serbia, Israel, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Brazil, Dubai, as well as throughout the U.S.

Derek received his BM in Music Performance (Classical and Jazz) from Hope College in 2006 and his MM in Jazz Studies at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music in 2008.

Crossing genres from jazz to classical to funk, saxophone innovator Derek Brown’s unique playing style must be seen to be believed!

The link to his full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website.

In this episode, you will hear:

• how Derek didn’t want to play an instrument at first
• how Derek thinks about taking risks vs. playing it safe
• Derek’s tips for musicians looking to get gigs
• how long it took Derek to reach his vision
• the most important tip for teachers
• what the big turning point was in Derek’s music career
• how Derek got past feeling burnt out and his main sources of inspiration
• Derek’s practice routine
• selling out, or not?
• and why was there so much blood on Derek’s reed, ligature and mouthpiece?

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